Harley Electra Glide to Yellowstone
Then Honda Gold Wing through California
by Merrill Andrews - August 2011
I rented a 2010 Electra Glide and departed the Bay area headed north towards the Canadian border with four friends of mine who also road Harleys. Due to the fact that rental motorcycles could not be taken across the border into Canada [webmaster note: Rental Motorcycles actually CAN be ridden from the US into Canada], myself and a friend opted to ride across Montana and parallel our other friends as they proceeded into Alberta, Canada on into the Rockies and British Columbia. We eventually met up once again in the beautiful State of Oregon and headed Southeast on our journey back to the Bay area. The track took us a total of 11 days in which we commandeered 6 States altogether. Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho and Oregon.
Yellowstone National Park was a true highlight of our journey with its fantastic scenery and wildlife. The motorcycle performed with total precision having been well maintained and carefully inspected prior to the trip. The tires were inspected to insure proper tread depth and any inappropriate wear marks. I have no hesitation in recommending California Motorcycle Adventures as my favorite rental agency whose people take that extra step to insure your safety. I totally recommend the ABS Breaking System from a previous experience on the Freeway some years ago when I went into a 40 ft skid as my brakes locked up under wet road conditions while attempting to avoid an incident after having been cut off by a vehicle exiting the Freeway. Luckily for me I was able to control the skid until I saw the opportunity to accelerate at the same time releasing the brake and came out of the skid unscathed and still upright and able to tell my story.
On the third rental week I oped to change up the Harley for a Gold wing Standard 1800cc. This motorcycle is in itself an entirely new experience. The crisp acceleration in itself along with the sport like feel of the ride give this motorcycle high Freeway marks. On this occasion the pre-ride inspection and maintenance checks were priority before departing the rental site. I rode the motorcycle over the next several days throughout the Bay area and the beautiful Napa Valley and down into the into the low lands and mountains in the National Parks throughout the area. It was also an ABS model and I need say no more. Its handling was accelerating and totally awesome leaving nothing to the imagination when it came to speed, power and braking. Once again I can only give to the owners and operators of this motorcycle rental agency high marks for the way they look after the customer first and foremost.
See you again sometime sooner then later.
Merrill
Merrill 'aka' Merv Andrews - St. John's, Newfoundland & Labrador, Canada
For more testimonials and reviews from our motorcycle rental riders, check out the links below: